It’s going to be a beautiful weekend in Southern California! Perfect for a stroll around a beautifully landscaped garden with lots of flowers in bloom, birds chirping, wine flowing.  Yes, I said wine flowing!  This Sunday, May 19,  is the Primavera in the Gardens at the University of California, Riverside.  Primavera in the Gardens is an annual fundraising event held each Spring at the UCR Botanic Gardens.  The event helps to fund the projects sponsored by the Gardens throughout the year, including hosting thousands of touring school children each year.  They do good things at the Gardens!

Photo Credit: Jana Shaker (http://newsroom.ucr.edu)

This year the event is extra special–it’s the Botanic Gardens’ 50th anniversary!  In addition to food samples from local restaurants and wine tasting from area wineries, the event will include a silent auction that will feature garden-related items, items donated by local artists, and a catered dinner from me, among other things.  Chris Kern, of Chris Kern’s Forgotten Grapes, will pair and pour wine for the dinner, as well.  Neato, right?

Photo credit: UCR Newsroom (http://newsroom.ucr.edu)

The 40-acre Botanic Gardens at UCR was founded in 1963 as an educational facility for students studying the life sciences. The Gardens boast native California plants, roses, cacti, herbs, fruit trees and much more.  There are four miles of hiking trails, a  koi pond, bridges, scenic vistas and lovely gazebos with vines climbing and blooming–it’s just beautiful.  Especially this time of year. If you are in or around Riverside, you might want to head out to the University of Riverside and check it out.  For more information and tickets, click the link below!

Primavera in the Gardens at the University of California, Riverside’s Botanic Gardens